Sugar Taxes Show Promise but Face Hurdles in Fulfilling Public Health Goals

Sugar taxes like South Africa's health promotion levy can help reduce sugary drink consumption and calorie intake, but more optimization is needed to maximize public health benefits.

There is lack of accountability and transparency on how sugar tax revenue is used to promote healthy behaviors in places like the UK.

Powerful industry lobbying has thwarted efforts to broaden sugar taxes to other unhealthy foods and raise tax rates higher.

Latin American countries have made more progress implementing broad taxes on unhealthy foods beyond just soft drinks.

Reinvesting sugar tax revenue into making healthier foods more affordable is key, along with restrictions on unhealthy food ads.